Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game that comprises the player making multiple wagers to play a single-outcome game, the multiple wagers being made on multiple predetermined paytables for said game. One single-outcome game and at least two differing paytables for said game are offered to the player. The paytables may be for different game versions or for a single game version with differing risk levels. The payback percentage of each of the said differing paytables may vary according to the amount of the wager. The player makes one wager for each predetermined paytable to be utilized in the resolve of the wagers. Multiple same paytables, multiple differing paytables or combinations thereof may be wagered for the play of a single game having a single outcome. The said single outcome is then compared to each wagered predetermined paytable, and each wager is resolved according to that same wagered predetermined paytable.

Abstract: A method of playing a side bet associated with a wagering card game on a table or electronic device is disclosed. Predetermined cards of an initially-dealt base card game provide fundamental elements of the side bet. Scoring is based on the sum value of the fundamental elements that provides a final sum value. Aces count as a 1 value, ranks 2 through 9 count as their respective face value, and 10s through Kings count as a 10 value. Two distinct consecutive predetermined sum values comprising the sum value of the fundamental elements determine whether the sum value is considered a modulo 10 hand or a natural hand. Predetermined final values of modulo 10 hands and natural hands are determined to be winning final values, and paid according to a predetermined paytable.

Abstract: A video poker game including a wild card feature is provided. For a play of the video poker game, a predetermined number of cards are randomly dealt from a players standard deck of 52 cards to form an initial player hand. If the player made a side bet, at least one up to the predetermined number of cards are simultaneously dealt from a separate deck to form a house hand. Any cards in the initial player hand that match any cards in the house hand are automatically changed into a wild card. The player chooses which cards to hold and which cards to discard from the initial player hand. Replacement cards for the discarded cards are dealt from the remainder of cards in the players deck to form a final player hand. The final player hand is evaluated according to a predetermined paytable and any awards are provided.

Abstract: A method of playing an instant scratch game lottery ticket. Each ticket provides a printed grid comprised of adjoining edge features that provide at least two enclosed symbol areas. Each edge feature is labeled by a unique indicium and covered in a transparent film. Each enclosed symbol area contains a prize symbol that is covered in an opaque film. Also provided are player indicia covered with an opaque film that is removed to reveal the player indicia. The transparent film covering each labeled edge feature that matches a player indicium is then removed. If the edge features that have been removed are adjoined and provide a fully enclosed area, the prize symbol(s) in the fully enclosed area is/are revealed by removing the opaque film covering the prize symbol(s). Any revealed prizes are provided as an award to the player.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering card game on a table or electronic device is disclosed. The game is playable by at least a single player against a paytable, and utilizes at least three decks of traditional playing cards. At least three different cards are special cards, and at least one special card acts as a wild card. The amount of the special cards in a final hand determines a category in the paytable. Each category designates which special cards are wild, which hands are winning hands, and the corresponding pays. An Ante wager is required to play an initial hand, and an additional Draw wager is required if the play continues. The initial hand is considered a final hand if it is resolved as a win or loss. If the initial hand is not resolved, play continues until a final hand is resolved against the paytable.

Abstract: A method of playing a blackjack wagering game on a felt table or on a gaming device comprising at least a processer, input device and video monitor screen is disclosed. The method comprises providing player-advantage rules in blackjack games without requiring an extra wager in addition to a base wager. A predetermined set of dealt initial player hands is automatically disqualified, effectively ending the game for the player and forfeiting the player's wager. All dealt initial player hands that are not disqualified are qualified hands. All qualified hands remain in play. The player will receive at least one player-advantage rule on every hand that remains in play.

Abstract: A method of playing a five card draw video poker wagering game on a gaming device comprising at least a processer, input device and video monitor screen is disclosed. The method comprises providing bonus features in video poker games without requiring an extra wager in addition to a base wager, without lowering the paytable, and basing the paytable on the total wager. In lieu of an extra wager, a predetermined set of dealt hands is automatically disqualified, effectively ending the game and forfeiting the wager. All dealt hands that are not disqualified are qualified hands. The player is eligible to receive at least one randomly-provided bonus feature or guaranteed bonus feature on every qualified hand.

Abstract: A method of playing a lottery instant scratch game ticket. Each ticket provides a printed grid resembling a multiline slot machine game, comprised of symbol boxes arranged in columns and rows. Each symbol box contains one of a predetermined amount of game symbols and is covered by an indicia-labeled opaque removable film. Also provided are player indicia covered by an unlabeled opaque removable film. After scratching off the opaque film covering the player indicia, the revealed player indicia are compared to the indicia on the symbol boxes. The player scratches off the opaque film covering each symbol box that has an indicium that matches a player indicium, thereby revealing game symbols. The game symbols are then compared to official winning paylines and a prize legend to determine any wins.

Abstract: A method of playing an instant scratch game lottery ticket. Each ticket provides a printed grid comprised of adjoining edge features that provide at least two enclosed symbol areas. Each edge feature is labeled by a unique indicium and covered in a transparent film. Each enclosed symbol area contains a prize symbol that is covered in an opaque film. Also provided are player indicia covered with an opaque film that is removed to reveal the player indicia. The transparent film covering each labeled edge feature that matches a player indicium is then removed. If the edge features that have been removed are adjoined and provide a fully enclosed area, the prize symbol(s) in the fully enclosed area is/are revealed by removing the opaque film covering the prize symbol(s). Any revealed prizes are provided as an award to the player.

Abstract: A method of playing a five-card draw video poker wagering game on a gaming device comprising at least a processor, input device and video monitor screen is disclosed. A special function provides the player with an opportunity to enhance the replacement deck with additional cards. The special function provides the player with a touchscreen display of individual symbols that are displayed as two sets: the thirteen ranks and the four suits. Each individual symbol has its own touchscreen button. The player or processor selects one symbol. Any or all of the cards in the replacement deck that match the selected rank or suit are then replicated and added to the replacement deck. Cards are randomly selected from the enhanced replacement deck, and populate the initial hand to complete the final hand. Any wins are paid according to a predetermined paytable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gaming machine is disclosed. A wager is made to play an underlying symbol game, and if a predetermined trigger is present in the symbol game outcome, a bonus game is provided wherein a predetermined amount of free spins is provided. A first Available Benefit is made available on the first spin. If the first spin results in the first Available Benefit being achieved, a second Available Benefit is made available upon the next spin. If the first spin does not result in the first Available Benefit being achieved, the same first Available Benefit is made available upon the next spin. Each free spin offers a feature opportunity as an Available Benefit, the feature opportunity being comprised from a predetermined set of features, with each Available Benefit being activated in conjunction with all previously activated Available Benefits.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering card game on a gaming device comprising at least a processer, input device and video monitor is disclosed. After wagering, three separate hands of cards dealt from a single deck of cards are displayed, each hand consisting of five cards and displayed as having one face-up card and four face-down cards. A separate area for a final five-card hand is also displayed. The player then chooses to play either one, two, or three of the hands. The face-up cards in the chosen hand(s) are transferred to the final hand, and then the face-down cards in those chosen hand(s) are revealed. The most beneficial revealed cards are then added to the face-up cards in the final hand to complete the final hand. Any wins are paid according to predetermined paytables.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game that comprises the player making multiple wagers to play a single-outcome game, the multiple wagers being made on multiple predetermined paytables for said game. One single-outcome game and at least two differing paytables for said game are offered to the player. The paytables may be for different game versions or for a single game version with differing risk levels. The payback percentage of each of the said differing paytables may vary according to the amount of the wager. The player makes one wager for each predetermined paytable to be utilized in the resolve of the wagers. Multiple same paytables, multiple differing paytables or combinations thereof may be wagered for the play of a single game having a single outcome. The said single outcome is then compared to each wagered predetermined paytable, and each wager is resolved according to that same wagered predetermined paytable.

Abstract: A video poker game including a wild card feature is provided. For a play of the video poker game, a predetermined number of cards are randomly dealt from a players standard deck of 52 cards to form an initial player hand. If the player made a side bet, at least one up to the predetermined number of cards are simultaneously dealt from a separate deck to form a house hand. Any cards in the initial player hand that match any cards in the house hand are automatically changed into a wild card. The player chooses which cards to hold and which cards to discard from the initial player hand. Replacement cards for the discarded cards are dealt from the remainder of cards in the players deck to form a final player hand. The final player hand is evaluated according to a predetermined paytable and any awards are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of wagered mechanical, electromechanical or video symbol play for individual or networked gaming machines is disclosed. The method comprises a base game, a time-based bonus element scheme that may provide a bonus event, and a time-based window of opportunity in which the bonus element scheme may be accepted by a qualified player. Upon a triggering event in the base game, or alternately a random event, the player is afforded a specific period of time in which to choose a bonus element scheme comprised of at least one but preferably two bonus elements (i.e., cash, credits, casino player points, free spins, multipliers, and the like) that are each available for a predetermined and/or random time interval. The chosen bonus element scheme provides the parameters of a bonus round game.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game that comprises the player making multiple wagers to play a single-outcome game, the multiple wagers being made on multiple predetermined paytables for said game. One single-outcome game and at least two differing paytables for said game are offered to the player. The paytables may be for different game versions or for a single game version with differing risk levels. The payback percentage of each of the said differing paytables may vary according to the amount of the wager. The player makes one wager for each predetermined paytable to be utilized in the resolve of the wagers. Multiple same paytables, multiple differing paytables or combinations thereof may be wagered for the play of a single game having a single outcome. The said single outcome is then compared to each wagered predetermined paytable, and each wager is resolved according to that same wagered predetermined paytable.

Abstract: A video poker-type wagering game in which a wager is made to play an underlying draw poker game consisting of at least a single hand of poker. An additional bet is required to utilize a wild card play option. A predetermined amount of initial cards are randomly dealt from a standard deck of 52 cards to form the initial player's hand. If the player has made a side bet wager, at least one up to the predetermined amount of player's hand cards are simultaneously dealt from a separate deck to a house hand. Any cards in the player's hand that match any cards in the house hand by rank, suit and/or position are automatically changed to be wild cards. The player chooses which cards to hold and which cards to discard from the player's hand. Replacement cards for the discarded cards are dealt from the remainder of cards in the player's hand deck. The outcome for this final hand is evaluated according to a predetermined paytable and any wins are provided to the player.

Abstract: A method of operating a gaming system including, receiving an initial wager of a quantity of credits from a player to play a quantity of at least two poker hands, for each of the quantity of poker hands, displaying face-up a partial poker hand, automatically applying a first amount from the initial wager to each of the partial poker hands, wherein the sum of the first amounts of credits is less than the quantity of the initial wager, after displaying the partial poker hands face-up, enabling the player to select one of the partial poker hands, automatically applying a second amount from the initial wager to the player selected partial poker hand, wherein the second amount is equal to the initial wager minus the sum of the first amounts, and for each poker hand, determine and display a result and provide any awards associated with said displayed results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gaming machine is disclosed. A wager is made to play an underlying symbol game, and if a predetermined trigger is present in the symbol game outcome, a bonus game is provided wherein a predetermined amount of free spins is provided. A first Available Benefit is made available on the first spin. If the first spin results in the first Available Benefit being achieved, a second Available Benefit is made available upon the next spin. If the first spin does not result in the first Available Benefit being achieved, the same first Available Benefit is made available upon the next spin. Each free spin offers a feature opportunity as an Available Benefit, the feature opportunity being comprised from a predetermined set of features, with each Available Benefit being activated in conjunction with all previously activated Available Benefits.

Abstract: A monitor screen is provided on which symbols may be provided for use in video wagering games, including poker games, card games, slot games, bingo and keno. The player makes a wager to purchase a block of sequentially-playable games. The wager is the aggregate total of the wagers placed on each individual game. This aggregate total wager becomes the wager for the first game. A first partial (or intermediate) outcome of the first game is displayed. The player, having certain information about the potential final outcome from the partially displayed outcome, may choose to either: (a) play the partial first game to a final conclusion, or (b) pass by forfeiting the wager for the individual game. If the player decides to play the first game to its conclusion, the player will either lose the aggregate total wager, or win according to a predetermined paytable, in either case terminating any further play of the remaining games.